How Does a Heterogeneous Catalyst Work?

It often involves gaseous molecules reacting at the surface of a solid catalyst

The mechanism of this catalysis can be explained using the theory of adsorption
 It is when molecules of reactants (usually gases) form bonds with atoms on the surface of
the catalyst

An example of heterogenous catalysis can be seen in iron used in the Haber
Process
 The catalyst works by allowing hydrogen and nitrogen molecules to come close together on
the surface of the iron
 They are then more likely to react
 Iron In The Haber Process
Diffusion : nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas diffuse to the surface of the iron

Adsorption : the reactant molecules are chemically adsorbed onto the surface of the iron.
The bonds formed between the reactant molecules and the iron are:-
 strong enough to weaken the covalent bonds within the nitrogen and hydrogen molecules so the
atoms can react with each other
 weak enough to break and allow the products to leave the surface
 Reaction : the adsorbed nitrogen and hydrogen atoms react on the surface of the iron to
form ammonia

Desorption : the bonds between the ammonia and the surface of the iron weaken and
eventually broken

Diffusion : ammonia diffuses away from the surface of the iron